Dried leaves carpeted the forest floor, vibrant orchids bloomed as they hung delicately from moss-draped branches, and thick, emerald moss blanketed ancient tree trunks. Birds flitted through the canopy, their cheerful chirping echoing through the trees, while the faint murmur of a distant waterfall whispered through the air. These are just a few of the sights and sounds that greet you when you venture into the wilderness.

To some, it may seem like an unremarkable scene- muddy trails, biting bugs, and the risk of exhaustion. But to a true mountaineer, this is paradise.

I was lucky enough to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb Mount Finaratan, often called the sleeping mountain of Maducayan. Not many have heard of it, but to the locals, it’s a treasured secret and a source of immense pride.

In 2023, my siblings and I finally made the journey. We left our hometown at noon and arrived in Maducayan just as the golden sun dipped behind the hills. That night, we stayed with relatives, barely containing our excitement for the trek ahead.

At the first light of dawn, we were eager to begin. Perhaps a little too eager. After crossing a wide, powerful river, my sister and I suddenly felt weak- maybe from the cold water, or the lack of a proper breakfast. Thankfully, we had snacks on hand and munched on them as we continued walking.

The trail was mostly shaded by the dense forest canopy, which offered some relief from the sun. But it wasn’t without its challenges- leeches were everywhere. My sister and I became so paranoid that we kept checking our boots every few steps. The moment we saw one clinging on, we’d quickly yank it off!

Along the way, my brothers, who are more adept in navigating the forest, kept pointing out animal footprints in the soft earth- traces of wild boars, deer, and other elusive creatures that roam these woods. They were always amazed to see these subtle signs of wildlife, as if reading a hidden language of the forest. It reminded us that the place is still very much alive- and sacred.

That’s also why Mount Finaratan is so well protected by the locals. Throughout the trail, we saw handmade warning signs nailed to trees, urging hikers not to hunt or take anything from the forest. It’s their way of preserving the land and its natural beauty, and their message was clear: respect the mountain, or don’t come at all.

About three-fourths into the climb, we stumbled upon an old loggers’ camp, a rustic clearing where we decided to stop and cook lunch. We brought instant Korean noodles and some cooked rice, and luckily, the camp had pots we could use. A warm meal in the middle of the forest felt like a five-star feast.

As we neared the summit, our guide pointed to a white flag fluttering in the wind. “That’s the peak,” he said. My heart raced with excitement- we were almost there! I was about to conquer a mountain that few had even heard of, let alone climbed.

When we finally reached the top, I felt like I could touch the sky. The wind howled around us, and thick fog rolled in like a blanket, wrapping the nearby peaks in a ghostly embrace. We walked a little further, and from the summit, we caught a glimpse of a remote village tucked into the neighboring province. It was a humbling sight- a reminder of how small we are in this vast world.

We knew that going back would be harder, as the entire trail would now be downhill- a strain on already tired legs. After spending almost two hours at the peak, soaking in the views and resting, we finally decided to head back, trying to beat the fall of darkness. We did it- but not without effort. Our legs were wobbly from exhaustion, and every step down tested our balance. I still remember how Uncle Bonifacio came looking for us with a flashlight when night had already fallen and we hadn’t yet returned to his house. It was both touching and a bit funny- proof of how much we pushed ourselves that day.

Being a hiker isn’t easy. You scale steep inclines, cross raging rivers, and haul a backpack full of gear through unforgiving terrain. The journey tests your body and your spirit. But in return, it gives you something far greater- clarity, freedom, and the rare chance to witness the untouched beauty of the Earth.

Mount Finaratan may be hidden from most, but for those willing to search, it offers an unforgettable adventure- and a story worth telling.